Kennedy Expressway construction to return for second phase

• Illinois' Department of Transportation announced the next phase would start earlier than planned thanks to the mild weather.

Zoom in: Phase 2 is all about the express lanes. IDOT will close inbound and outbound express lanes for the rest of 2024 and intermittently close exit ramps like Montrose and Irving Park Road.

• The Randolph Street ramp to the outbound Kennedy will be closed during this phase as well, while cleaning and painting of Hubbard's Cave will squeeze lanes in both directions.
• As the project restarts, most extra lane and ramp closings will occur nightly after 9pm.

Flashback: The first phase was brutal for Chicagoans, who sat in long traffic jams and dealt with clogged side streets.

What they're saying: IDOT recommends traveling during non-peak hours and using public transportation.

What's next: This phase is expected to last all summer. The whole project is on track to be finished in 2025.